Toxins, chemicals and odours (undetected yet ever-present) cause the obvious headaches, eye, nose and throat irritations, nausea and stress and the not so obvious bad moods, low motivation and lethargy. If employees don’t feel well, productivity suffers ® profitability suffers.

Workcover, the medical profession and insurance companies (Workers Compensation) are increasing their proactive requirements to ensure the workplace is a healthy environment.

Scientific evidence from NASA, CSIRO & UTS, proves ability of plants to remove toxins/chemicals from the air and also to improve staff health, morale, and productivity and improve air humidity in the office.

Volatile organic compounds are emitted by materials in computers photocopiers and furniture these substances along with microorganisms from staff with flu and colds create sick building syndrome. Plants remove these creating a healthy workplace.(Workcover 1993,pg:10)

Building owners may have the choice of installing expensive upgrades to airconditioning plant or keeping the current system and enhancing its efficiency with the installation of living breathing plants.

1 plant per 10m² is recommended to clean the air.

Some of the best plants for cleaning air are Kentia Palm , Spathiphyllum, Dracaena, Pothos, Aglaonema and Ficus (see example photos to right). Tropical Plant Rentals uses these plants throughout its installations.

Dr Ronald Wood of University of Technology Sydney is currently undergoing ground breaking research which will provide empirical evidence of the benefits of plants in the workplace with respect to health of workers.

Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 states Employers must:

Provide or maintain equipment and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health.

By providing Plants in the workplace Duty of Care is established.

When Indoor Plants Are installed:

• VOCs are deceased by up to 75%
• Nitrogen oxide is decreased by over 30%
• Dust levels are reduced
• Air is refreshed
• Healthy temperature and humidity levels are established
• Noise levels are reduced
• Well-being and productivity are raised
• Toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzol and carbon monixide are reduced